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<blockquote data-quote="Orryn Emrys" data-source="post: 4516346" data-attributes="member: 6799">I'm a laptop DM, though I likely wouldn't be if it was just to access references.&nbsp; I'd generally prefer hard copy under those circumstances.&nbsp; I'm a 3.5 DM, however, and I use DM Genie to run my games, one of the small number of programs commercially available to aid in managing Dungeons &amp; Dragons games.&nbsp; (I tried several, and I particularly liked DM Genie for its user-friendly interface, its excellent customability, and the fact that it was more than just a prep utility... it's a powerful in-game management utility, allowing me to more efficiently run combats and track characters, monsters and NPCs.)It took some time to learn how to most effectively implement the computer in my gaming without it disrupting the flow of communication and rapport between myself and the other players.&nbsp; Having done so, I have to admit that I would prefer not to try running games without it... although I ran a six-session 4E run without the utility (since it's a 3.5 program), and 4E was certainly easier to run with pencil and paper than 3.x...&nbsp; Having software to help with the stats, rolls and combat tracking allows me to focus more completely on other aspects of the experience.A while back, I did have a group of six players who each used a laptop, with copies of DM Genie or Player Genie to manage their characters.&nbsp; It was a cool setup, but it did eventually create issues with player distraction.&nbsp; Though it was fun having an IM program running to send messages back and forth.And I'd chime in with the additional suggestion that the apporpriate edition of the game for you depends entirely on what you want out of it.&nbsp; 4E is very accessible for beginners and easy to run, but the most combat-oriented version of the game in recent years.&nbsp; My players are more story-oriented and prefer an immersive environment that allows them an unfettered relationship with the game world, so 4E is too restrictive in its core structure.&nbsp; If you really want a wealth of available gaming materials, you're obviously best advised to pursue one of the most recent editions of the game.Good luck!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Orryn Emrys, post: 4516346, member: 6799"] I'm a laptop DM, though I likely wouldn't be if it was just to access references. I'd generally prefer hard copy under those circumstances. I'm a 3.5 DM, however, and I use [i]DM Genie[/i] to run my games, one of the small number of programs commercially available to aid in managing Dungeons & Dragons games. (I tried several, and I particularly liked [i]DM Genie[/i] for its user-friendly interface, its excellent customability, and the fact that it was more than just a prep utility... it's a powerful in-game management utility, allowing me to more efficiently run combats and track characters, monsters and NPCs.) It took some time to learn how to most effectively implement the computer in my gaming without it disrupting the flow of communication and rapport between myself and the other players. Having done so, I have to admit that I would prefer not to try running games without it... although I ran a six-session 4E run without the utility (since it's a 3.5 program), and 4E was certainly easier to run with pencil and paper than 3.x... Having software to help with the stats, rolls and combat tracking allows me to focus more completely on other aspects of the experience. A while back, I did have a group of six players who each used a laptop, with copies of [i]DM Genie[/i] or [i]Player Genie[/i] to manage their characters. It was a cool setup, but it did eventually create issues with player distraction. Though it was fun having an IM program running to send messages back and forth. And I'd chime in with the additional suggestion that the apporpriate edition of the game for you depends entirely on what you want out of it. 4E is very accessible for beginners and easy to run, but the most combat-oriented version of the game in recent years. My players are more story-oriented and prefer an immersive environment that allows them an unfettered relationship with the game world, so 4E is too restrictive in its core structure. If you really want a wealth of available gaming materials, you're obviously best advised to pursue one of the most recent editions of the game. Good luck! [/QUOTE]

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